According to the Sunday Times Rich List, Hemmings, 72, has seen his fortune rise from £980m last year to £1.03 billion - making him the 70th richest man in the country.

2005 Grand National winner Hedgehunter was on a final stop-off in Euxton before heading to the Isle of Man.

The tour was like a Who's Who of horse racing greats as his stables also hosts Cloudy Lane, this year's National favourite, Trobolgan, Idle Talk, Albertas Run and exciting prospect Afsoun.

Race manager Michael Meagher, based at Euxton, said: "Hedgehunter winning was like a fairytale. When Mr Hemmings bought him he had won one race - but we had the idea he was a National type of horse."

Hedgehunter went into the race as favourite and he led the field eight fences from the finish.

Mr Meagher said: "We held a big celebration on the night and a few of us travelled to Ireland to see Hedgehunter return to the stables. He is a smashing horse, he has a lovely nature and he always tried his best.

It was fitting that the 2008 Grand National was his last race. He has jumped 149 National fences - only Red Rum has jumped 150."

Mr Hemmings is also a big football fan, owning Chorley Football Club, and with a major shareholding at Preston North End.